Introduction:
The Evil Dead franchise is a classic in the realm of horror and dark comedy, with Ash Williams as its iconic protagonist. Introducing students to Evil Dead Ash presents an alternative way to teach them about the horror genre, as it combines elements of gore, laughter, and heroism. This article delves into why it is essential to incorporate Ash Williams and the Evil Dead series into your lesson plans and how to approach this unconventional topic in the classroom.
Why Teach About Evil Dead Ash?
1. Break Stereotypes: Ash Williams defies the traditional stereotypes of a horror movie protagonist. By teaching students about his character, educators can promote critical thinking and question pre-existing concepts or conventions of both heroes and the horror genre.
2. Analyze Sub-Genres: The Evil Dead series transcends various sub-genres, from supernatural horror to slapstick comedy. Students can learn about these diverse styles of storytelling, elevating their understanding of how filmmakers manipulate conventions and themes within films.
3. Cultural Importance: The series has had a far-reaching cultural impact on contemporary cinema, inspiring many modern horror filmmakers. Introducing students to Evil Dead Ash allows them to examine the franchise’s impact on popular culture and better understand its significance as a cultural touchstone.
Approaching the Topic in the Classroom:
1. Film Analysis: Screen selections from The Evil Dead and its sequels (Evil Dead II, Army of Darkness), allow students to analyze stylistic choices and character traits exhibited by Ash Williams. Encourage them to discuss these elements in small groups or as a class.
2. Character Study: Have students research Bruce Campbell’s portrayal of Ash throughout the franchise’s various mediums (films, comics, television). Encourage them to explore how the creators have developed their character over time, as well as how previous iterations have influenced later works.
3. Creative Projects: Assign projects that allow students to express their newfound understanding of Evil Dead Ash creatively, such as writing a short story based on the character or designing their horror movie posters featuring him. These projects will enable students to apply their knowledge about the character and the horror genre in a hands-on manner.
4. Compare and Contrast: Students can examine other characters in the horror genre and compare them to Ash Williams, evaluating their contributions to the genre and identifying key similarities and differences between them.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Evil Dead offers educators a unique opportunity to break from conventional horror teaching methods and challenge students’ understanding of both the genre and its characters. By incorporating Ash Williams into the lesson plan, instructors can not only broaden their student’s knowledge of the horror genre but also stimulate critical thinking skills, inspire creativity, and put emphasis on cultural significance across different creative mediums.
